SHENZHEN, China – The lead-up to the Australian Open is a quick one – two weeks of WTA events before the first Grand Slam of the year – so any time saved is an advantage. And Agnieszka Radwanska caught a break on the way to Shenzhen, her first stop before Melbourne: a private jet.

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“I came here two days ago right after I played an exhibition in Thailand, and it was a good surprise from the exhibition director over there,” the World No.5 said. “It makes life very easy, especially since I wanted to be here as soon as possible, so we took the private jet right after the last match ended!”

And the thrills didn’t stop there – Radwanska is excited to be at this year’s Shenzhen Open.

“It’s my first time here, and it’s always exciting to play somewhere for the first time. The calendar is pretty similar every year, so playing somewhere for the first time always makes me happy – it gives me something else. I haven’t seen the city yet because I’ve been adjusting to the weather and the courts and everything, but I’ll see some of the city later. I’ve heard there’s some good shopping here.”

Speaking of the courts, Radwanska has been getting some solid practice in – outside and inside.

“It’s been going well so far,” she said. “The courts here in Shenzhen are very good, and there are a lot of courts here, which also makes life easier. You can find a practice court whenever you want.

“The weather hasn’t been the best so far, so it’s great they also have indoor courts.”

Radwanska was the form player of the fall season – she won 17 of 21 matches and picked up three WTA titles at Tokyo, Tianjin and the WTA Finals. She’s hoping to keep her Asian momentum alive.

She’s not taking anything for granted, though, including her first round opponent, Aleksandra Krunic.

“It’s not going to be easy,” Radwanska said. “I’ve never played her, which is always a challenge. I saw a couple of her matches and she can play really great tennis, too. It’s not an easy one, for sure.

“But it’s important to get some good matches before a Grand Slam, so I’m looking forward to it.”